Читать книгу Asia Past and Present - Peter P. Wan - Страница 58

Within the empire the security of the state is a cause for some anxiety, and on our borders there is the constant threat of the barbarians. Day by day the resources of the nation become more depleted and exhausted, while the moral tone and habits of life among the people daily deteriorate. ¹

The Song and Yuan Dynasties project the boldest of contrasts. The Song Empire was run by scholar‐officials, and it was the least oppressive of all major dynasties. It enjoyed unprecedented economic wealth and cultural sophistication. When we think of traditional China, the picture that is likely to come to mind is that of Song China. But it existed under the constant threat of its numerous nomadic neighbors, and it was eventually conquered by the unstoppable Mongol cavalries. The Mongol conquerors founded the Yuan Dynasty, which was a barbaric alien regime dominated by nomadic warlords.